Residents groan as Mile 18 neighbourhood suffers persistent blackout

By Faith Ebanga

Inhabitants of the Sawmill vicinity in the Mile 18 neighbourhood of Buea, Fako Division of the South West Region have been expressing anger following persistent blackout observed in that area.

Residents who spoke to The Guardian Post, say they have gone for days without regular power supply. The blackout which lasted for more than 48 hours has kept the inhabitants of the neighbourhood restless.

The prolonged blackout has brought about untold hardship in the Sawmill neighbourhood.

Business people who had previously stocked their refrigerators with perishable items, are now counting their losses.

“I will not talk further about this electricity issue. We pay our bills on time and go for weeks and more without electricity. How do we handle our perishable goods? a vendor questioned in anger.

Some families have been complaining bitterly following losses incurred at home. Students have equally not been spared.

Most learners have been unable to meet up with their academic work especially those who have frequent online classes.

Majority of them are now fleeing the neighbourhood to other areas where electricity supply is regular.

“The courage some people have to stay in total darkness marvels me and the fact that, no one can ascertain the exact time energy will be restored is terrifying. I’m packing my bags” a final year student said.

Days ago, some power supply workers visited the neighbourhood with some equipment and there was a relative excitement in the area. However, the excitement was short-lived.

“Indeed, electricity returned but it lasted just for fifteen minutes. More over, it was restored violently. The bulbs flickered all through until electricity went out” a resident narrated.

The neighbourhood is also facing problems of water supply.

“Fetching water is one of my most annoying chore. The distance is nothing to mention. My arms ache from doing this” a student recounted.